Police proposal: Limit devotees’ stay at Sannidhanam to 24 hrs

A final decision will be taken on MondayThe move follows the tense situation that prevailed during five-day Thulam pooja. A final decision will be taken on Monday.

Police deployment near the Lord Ayyappa Temple on its opening day in Sabarimala (File | PTI)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keeping in mind the added pressure the Supreme Court verdict — allowing women of all ages entry — can put on the entire system at Sabarimala when it reopens for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season on November 16, the police have come up with a slew of proposals to restrict the crowd. One of the major proposals is to not allow stay at Sannidhanam for more than 24 hours. The move follows the tense situation that prevailed during five-day Thulam pooja. A final decision will be taken on Monday.

Recommendations

No pilgrims to be allowed to stay at the guest houses or any other places at Sannidhanam for more than 24 hours
Special surveillance to be conducted on the temple premises to keep a tab on the pilgrims
The Travancore Devaswom Board and various organisations which offer rooms will have to inform the police about the pilgrims
Devotees to be controlled from Nilakkal itself
All vehicles to be asked to park at Nilakkal. Pilgrims to be allowed to proceed to Pampa in KSRTC buses